How to Propagate Clematis in Montana

Clematis is a flowering vine that comes in a variety of bloom types and colors. Many varieties of clematis are hardy down to the United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 3, according to Colorado State University. Clematis are woody perennial vines that can grow up to 30 feet tall if given the room. While Montana is cold, encompassing USDA zones 2 to 5, you can grow and propagate clematis in any area zone 3 or higher. Clematis is propagated by woody cuttings.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Rooting hormone
• Scissors
• Potting soil
• Pot
• Plastic soda bottle

1. Cut the bottom 1 to 2 inches off a large plastic soda bottle. This will serve as a terrarium for your clematis cutting.
2. Fill a pot with potting soil. The pot must have drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Take an 8- to 12-inch cutting from half-hardened clematis wood from May to June. Make sure the wood is from that season’s growth.
4. Remove all of the flowers and foliage from the cutting and dip the bottom of the cutting in a rooting hormone.
5. Place the cutting in the pot to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Water the cutting until water seeps out of the bottom of the pot.
6. Place the plastic soda bottle lid over the cutting and place the cutting in a sunny south- or west-facing window for four to five weeks. The cutting should be transplanted to your garden when it is 1 foot tall.